Colocation has proven to be a beneficial solution for businesses, but the challenge lies in selecting the appropriate data center to house critical IT infrastructure. Not all data centers in India are created equal, and making an uninformed choice can lead to significant downtime, data loss, and other burdensome consequences. Hence, finding the right data center for colocation needs is of utmost importance.
Key Considerations for Selecting a Colocation Data Center:
- Availability (Uptime): One of the most crucial factors to consider is the data center’s availability, which represents the guaranteed uptime. To ensure continuous availability of business-critical applications and services, it is essential to choose a provider offering a high uptime guarantee. Ideally, data centers with Tier III or Tier IV ratings are preferred. Look for facilities that offer at least 99.9% uptime. However, if your company is looking for higher availability, you can choose data centers with 99.99% uptime or more. Prominent Tier rating providers like Uptime Institute and TIA define the standards for data center operations.
Logical separation is another vital aspect to consider when choosing a data center in India. Some data centers only host clients’ equipment, while others offer more advanced solutions like cloud and managed IT services. In the case of the latter, ensure that the data center provides logical separation, meaning data and applications of one client remain isolated from others sharing the same infrastructure.
- Security: Physical security measures such as access controls, biometric authentication, round-the-clock surveillance cameras, and secure fencing must be maintained by the data center service provider you choose. To protect against cyber-attacks, robust network security solutions like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and DDoS protection systems are also required. The data center should have a dedicated staff of security professionals monitoring the network continually and responding quickly to any potential security risks.
With the ever-evolving threat landscape, having a dedicated team of security experts to proactively monitor the network and respond swiftly to any potential security incidents is essential in maintaining a robust and resilient data center environment.
- Redundancy: Inquire about the type of redundancy offered by the data center, such as N+1, N+2, 2N, and 2N+1, with 2N+1 being the highest form of redundancy. The power supply is a critical component to duplicate, so the data center facility should have redundant power sources, including backup generators and an uninterrupted power supply. Effective and redundant cooling systems are also necessary to maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels for servers.
- Scalability: Opt for a provider that offers flexible and scalable solutions, allowing easy addition or removal of rack space and increased power density according to business requirements. The data center should be capable of providing sufficient infrastructure and space to support business expansion. Working with a provider with a proven track record of scalable infrastructure and a willingness to collaborate on growth plans can ensure businesses have the resources to meet their evolving IT needs.
- Compliance: Data center colocation providers must comply with local data protection and privacy regulations. Certifications indicate that the colocation provider has implemented a robust information security management system and adheres to industry best practices for data security and privacy. It is advised to select a provider who is Uptime Institute certified and verify the certification. Additionally, ensure that the data center supports third-party audits if they are applicable to your business.
- Cost: Understand the recurring costs associated with hosting equipment and providing power, cooling, and network connectivity. Clarify if there are any one-time fees applicable to set up the infrastructure for hosting the enterprise’s equipment, and ensure that providing power to your servers and ensuring network connectivity are covered. Some data centers in India may offer additional services such as remote hands support or equipment installation at an added cost. When evaluating costs, consider the level of service and reliability provided by the data center.
Maximize IT Infrastructure with A Colocation Partner
For enterprises seeking a secure and cost-effective solution to manage their IT infrastructure, colocation data centers offer a compelling option. By leveraging the resources of a colocation provider, organisations can access state-of-the-art data centers without the burden of constructing and maintaining on-premises facilities. The right data center partner can ensure that your infrastructure is housed in an optimal environment, allowing you to focus on your core business operations and growth strategies.
In conclusion, selecting the right colocation data center in India is a strategic decision that can significantly impact a business’s success. Businesses must meticulously evaluate key factors such as availability, security, redundancy, scalability, compliance, and cost. Entrusting critical IT infrastructure to a trusted colocation partner empowers businesses to focus on their core competencies while leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. As the data center landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay vigilant in choosing a partner that can adapt to their evolving needs and support their growth journey.